Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/284

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Nephi.
274

There appeared to be no hope, but that they would be swallowed up in the sea. Then, and not till then, did they seem to understand that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must unavoidably perish unless they repented. Then they reluctantly loosened the bands which bound Nephi's wrists and ankles, and let him go free. But his limbs, by reason of the way in which he had been bound, were swollen, and he tells us great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, in all his afflictions he never murmured.

During the time that Nephi had been thus bound, his father Lehi had begged most earnestly for the release of his son, but the rebels threatened everyone who sought Nephi's release; and his parents who had now grown aged, were brought down to sickbeds by reason of their afflictions and came very near to being cast into a watery grave.

When Nephi was freed he took the compass, and it commenced to work as before. He prayed to the Lord, after which the winds ceased to blow, the storm passed away, and there was a great calm. Then Nephi took charge of the ship and guided it in its course towards the promised land, which, after many days it reached in safety.

Arrived on the land of promise, they found it rich in minerals, and fruitful. The little colony at once proceeded to sow the seeds they had brought with them and were delighted to find that they fructified and brought forth abundantly; and all might have been peace and happiness in their midst had it not been for the murderous jealousy of Laman and his associates. After a time, Lehi called his posterity and others together and blessed them. Many and glorious were the promises made by the patriarch to Nephi. Soon after this, Lehi passed away to his eternal reward.

No sooner was Lehi dead than the hatred that rankled in the hearts of Laman and those who sympathized with him seems to have become